Dan Mundy Jr. of the Jamaica Bay Eco-Watchers group says a "tremendous amount of wetlands" have been lost over the years. He says ecologists are using the footprints of old islands while rebuilding them.

The salt marshes are a haven for fish and wildlife. They also help to clean the air and the bay.

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The state is giving New York City groups funding to help protect the eco-system of Jamaica Bay.

The Daily News (http://nydn.us/ZXC78k ) says the $645,000 will help rebuild 28 acres of salt marshes.

Dan Mundy Jr. of the Jamaica Bay Eco-Watchers group says a "tremendous amount of wetlands" have been lost over the years. He says ecologists are using the footprints of old islands while rebuilding them.

The salt marshes are a haven for fish and wildlife. They also help to clean the air and the bay.